MANDALA TURBO KOURIER MODULE

Stepping into the deep blue interior of the Vivid Group's Turbo Kourier
module, the participant's image is introduced into an interactive
computer-generated environment and projected on a video screen. The outcome
of the experience is determined by the participant's control of an animated
"skyboard" that passes over a scrolling futuristic landscape. Participants
must move quickly to collect objects that fly around them while avoiding
obstacles and opponents.

The Mandala Technology

The Mandala Virtual World System uses a video camera to display a
participant's image superimposed over computer-generated graphics. Moving in
front of an Ultimatte Blue screen, the Mandala participant watches the
interaction on a video monitor. Partic-ipants can interact with 3D graphic
objects on the screen while controlling their movements through the
environment. This mode of interaction allows completely free, entirely
unencumbered interaction with the virtual environment.

The Turbo Kourier Game

Turbo Kourier places the player in the role of a futuristic courier
riding a gravity-defying skyboard. The object of the game is to collect
packages and energy-increasing elixir while avoiding hovering animated
opponents. Players use exaggerated gestures in front of the camera to
control their on-screen images as they move through full 3D-rendered
foreground and background graphics and a compelling sampled soundtrack.

One of the most notable features of the game is how players control their
images to "fly" around the screen. In order to achieve this form of video
manipulation, the Vivid Group reduced the size of the digital image so the
system can interpret not only directional cues but also the speed with which
players move. Another unique feature in this new Mandala game is the
directly controlled scrolling background image, which, combined with
three-dimensional graphic images, gives the game a traditional video
game feel with a cutting edge look. Turbo Kourier also gives players
the opportunity to display their images on a continually updated "Top Ten"
screen, which stores video "snapshots" that are repeated with each game
played and during the attract loop.

Potential Future Impact

There is considerable interest in non-violent interactive entertainment
that encourages participants to use their entire bodies as they play a
game. The next step for the Mandala Virtual World System will lead to a
stronger emphasis on networking modules and environments in order
to allow people to share interactive experiences.